A touch pressure sensory assessment of the surgical treatment of the tarsal tunnel syndrome

Background

Decompressive tarsal tunnel surgery may improve dysfunctional plantar foot sensation in, patients with tarsal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy. However, quantitative sensory, assessment is lacking.

Method

Quantitative sensory threshold evaluation of 42 feet in 37 consecutive (29 non-diabetic and 8 diabetic) patients was done before and after surgical decompression for tarsal tunnel syndrome. Insensitivity was documented quantitatively (grams force) before and after surgery using a graded series of twenty Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments applied to the anatomic nerve regions of the plantar aspect of the foot.

Results

Sensory evaluation at an average of 12 months after surgery showed significant improvement, of mean sensory threshold, compared with preoperative values, for medial calcaneal, medial plantar, and lateral plantar nerves.

Conclusion

Quantitative sensory assessment with a graded series of twenty Semmes–Weinstein, monofilaments showed significant sensory improvement in the medial calcaneal, medial plantar, and, lateral plantar nerves after posterior tibial nerve decompression.